By Sandra Bauer, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Policy, Partnerships and Projects, Neighbourhood Watch

It is a horrible truth to acknowledge but the dangers that women and girls face are getting worse. The National Police Chiefs’ Council says that nearly all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) are expected to rise in the coming year. 

The festive period is a particularly bad time. Every Christmas, domestic abuse rates soar. Both men and women can face domestic abuse, but women disproportionately experience it, with a prevalence rate of approximately 9.1% compared to 6.5% of men. Christmas is considered a time for family and celebration but for too many people it can be a time of fear and isolation.  

It’s easy to hope that someone else will do something, but to make a real change, to save lives and stop this epidemic of violence against women and girls (VAWG), we all need to do something.  That's why we've been supporting the UN's Orange the World campaign with 16 days of actions to end violence against women and girls.  Kicking off with White Ribbon Day on 25 November, and then sharing an action each day until 10 December, to help realise the change we all want to make. 

It's been inspiring, and we want to thank all the organisations and people who took action and helped to share the message that there so much we can do as individuals, neighbours and communities to change things for the better.  

My message for anyone who want to make a difference, but missed out on the 16 Days, is that this work doesn't end simply because the campaign is over. You can still do as many, or as few as you are able. From fundraising for a local woman's refuge, signing up for bystander training, or learning how to protect yourself online, it all counts. 

Statistics from the Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls, tell us that: 

  • Almost one in three women will experience domestic abuse, and sexual offences are at the highest level recorded.
  • Every four days a woman in the UK is murdered by a partner or ex-partner.
  • More than 90% of perpetrators of rape and sexual assault are known to their victims.
  • One in two rapes against women are carried out by a partner or ex-partner.
  • One in three adult survivors of rape experience it in their own home.
  • Women who can’t access public funds, such as welfare support or housing assistance are three times more likely to experience VAWG.

These are shocking figures; but we believe that crimes like this can and must be prevented and everyone has a part to play.

The National Policing Statement says 1 in 20 people are estimated to be perpetrators of VAWG each year, with the actual number thought to be significantly higher. 

Both the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the College of Policing have reported that while progress has been made, the police response to violence against women and girls has been inconsistent across the country. And now the issue has been formally recognised as a national emergency. 

A YouGov survey found that 73% of the public think that more should be done to tackle VAWG. This public concern shows there is a real appetite to address this problem. That's why we need allies, caring neighbours, friends, family who can and will act. 

The perception most people have of Neighbourhood Watch is very positive. Our members report greater feelings of safety and connection to their communities. But neighbourliness isn’t just nice, it’s necessary. If we all look out for each other, call out bad behaviour, check in with people, report concerns, then perhaps we can make the UK a safer place for everyone.